About Big Red Kitchen

Big Red Kitchen was developed as a living historical document comprised of my recipes and stories to bridge my past with my children's future. BRK later morphed into a virtual gathering place for friends, family, and others who share the desire for good food and the intimacy experienced when breaking bread as one.

I guess it would be nice if you knew a little bit about the girl behind BRK. My name is Robin Sue, because when it came time to name me, my parents had exhausted all options for a girl's name. Every time my mom suggested a name, my father would say, "no, I have a cousin named that and she has a lisp," or "no, I have a cousin named that and she is cross-eyed," or "no, I have a cousin named that and she has webbed toes." He did not have a cousin Robin. Sue is my aunt's middle name. I am half Italian, half Texan. I have a brother, Rob, the dude at Attifood with an attitude. I wonder why when they named Rob, dad didn't say, "no, we have a daughter named that?"

I have been married to Himself, Laird of our wee clan, for 16 years and we have three very cute children. I am an RN, currently not practicing, and have worked in exciting positions such as ICU, as a clinical instructor for a small college, and a nurse specialist for a pulmonary rehab unit. I am an avid reader, wannabe gardener, occasional traveller, and dabbling photographer. Other than being a full-time housewife, I enjoy being a very part-time Botany and Biology teacher because I marvel at God's creativity, diversity, attention to detail, color palette, and sense of humor. I do have a list of the things I want to do before I die but I can't find it nor can I remember anything on it, so I guess I am already living my dreams.

My philosophy on cooking and entertaining is this:
When it comes to cooking, it is not so much that one has to be good cook, it's more that one knows a good recipe from bad. It is better to master one thing and become known for it. Nothing is ever easy, ease is an effort as well. With food in one hand and drink in the other, tales are spun with reckless abandon. Perfection is pride stepping on your creativity. Paper plates are essential. Write "welcome" in the dust rather than waiting for a clean house to open your home. Laugh when your guest's child vomits on your couch because next month your child will pee on your girlfriend's sofa. When it all seems to be going wrong, just smile and nod.

Regarding Comments:
I love the comments I get, in fact it's what keeps me going. I do encourage you, no, I respectfully ask you to leave a comment on any of my posts. I am a very social person and I love engaging with my readers. I think those of you who have commented have added so much to my posts and most of the time I am learning from you! I do prefer clean comments free of naughty words though!

Contact me- bigredkitchen {at} yahoo {dot} com

Warmly,

Robin Sue